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Cancellation of British Isles Bowls Council (BIBC) competitions for 2021 thwarts international hopes of north bowlers


By Craig Christie

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THERE will be no British Isles Bowls Council competitions this year due to the spread of Covid-19.

Moray Bowling Club hosted the British Isles under-25 international in 2016, but the event has been cancelled for the second year running.
Moray Bowling Club hosted the British Isles under-25 international in 2016, but the event has been cancelled for the second year running.

Young bowlers like Burghead's Kevin McDonald and rising Turriff star Connor Milne have regularly featured in the BIBC's under-25 international series in recent years.

But the council, which also governs women's events, have announced that their entire 2021 international calendar has been wiped out.

The cancellation does not affect domestic bowls in Scotland, with the BIBC hoping play will be able to continue at local clubs across the country this year.

"The decision reflects the challenges related to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and has been made to enable more grassroots bowlers to enjoy the sport this summer," said a spokesperson.

The council organises international series at senior and junior level, contested by all four British nations with the venue rotated each year.

Moray Bowling Club hosted the British Isles under-25 championships in 2016, drawing big crowds to the Elgin club.

Making his international debut that year was St Aethans Bowling Club (Burghead) youngster McDonald.

Turriff talent Milne, who debuted at this year's world indoor championships having won the Scottish indoor title last year, played for Scotland under-25s at the international series for six consecutive years.

Scotland have won the British Isles under-25s for each of the last three years in has been contested (2017-2019), with Milne and McDonald playing their part.

McDonald has been on the losing side just three times in 12 international appearances in the event, playing every match in Scotland's three-in-a-row championship run.

Milne was in McDonald's rink for two of those successes having been selected since 2014, but was too old to play in the last triumph in 2019.

Garioch bowlers Andrew Reilly and Jason Banks have also been selected for the international series in recent years.

The British Isles series also encompasses singles, pairs and triples internationals.

Current world number 13 Michael Stepney, who like McDonald came through the ranks of his home St Aethans BC, was British Isles singles champion in 2010.

With the Commonwealth Games taking place in England in 2022, international opportunities will be limited in the lead-up to the Games.

"No decision has been taken on British Isles events for 2022 as this will form part of a wider review taking into account a number of considerations including the Commonwealth Games taking place at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa," said a spokesperson.

"Whilst we remain positive that people will be out on the greens this summer, the international series and championships necessitate an extra level of logistical planning and delivery for players, spectators and officials.

"Given these extra considerations, particularly around international travel and the varying restrictions across Britain expected to continue for months, it was not viable to continue without damaging the integrity of the events.

"All nations agreed that the early decision was important to provide clarity to players and spectators, give every nation the opportunity to make the most of their domestic calendar and provide much-needed support to clubs."


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